Sneezing and running nose from CPAP machine use

I have a very severe problem with my sinuses. Some days I sneeze all day using about 100 kleenex. Other days my nose runs continously.

I have been to an allergist,two ent doctors and had x-rays of my sinuses. All the doctors tell me that nothing is wrong. Does anyone else suffer from this problem?

Answer

A lot of CPAP users have the sneezing and sinuses problems. And there are so many things that could cause these problems, when you start using the CPAP machine.

That's why we need more information of what's going on, so we might be able to help. For example:

what kind of CPAP machine you use,

do you have an unheated or heated humidifier,

what kind of mask you have? A nasal mask, nasal pillows, or a full face mask?

are you a mouth breather?

do you have water in CPAP hose in the morning?

how do you clean you CPAP equipment?

One of the biggest reason you might be having a running nose is because the air is not moisturized. If you aren't using a heated humidifier, you might ask your doctor about getting one.

If your humidifier is not heated, a heated one may really help your sinuses. However, you have to find the humidity settings that works for you. Everyone is different.

What kind of doctors did you visit, except the ENT and allergist? I would call both my primary care physician and the sleep doctor's office. They will recommend what should you do next.

Your problem does sound like you're having some kind of an allergic reaction, but you said you don't have any allergic problem. But maybe you have allergies from the air that you breathe through your CPAP machine.

Unless you have a HEPA filter on your CPAP machine, and most of us don't, the pollen will not be filtered out. The CPAP filters only remove the big particles from the air.

While you have the sinus problems, a sinus rinse or irrigation is recommend. It should make you feel great and get rid of congestion.

Comments for Sneezing and running nose from CPAP machine use

I'm a new CPAP user, 4 weeks now. Every single morning as soon as I remove the nose pillow mask, I start sneezing, my nose starts running uncontrollably and my eyes are watering. I have the heated humidifier, the two filters on my machine, doing everything suggested for cleaning and water changes. I'm sick of having to take Day Quil every morning just to make it thru the day. It took me all this time to even connect the dots as I thought I had a cold but nothing else ever happened. I have no cold. It's the mask. Is this going to last forever? How can I combat this once and for all.

Feb 07, 2012Rating

About the maskby: Remy

It seems that you may be allergic to mask material. Did you speak with your doctor about medication for this problem?

Feb 07, 2012Rating

follow-up to Remyby: Anonymous

it's not an allergy to the mask. Many people I have found have the same problem, cold symptoms, runny nose, sneezing and there is no allergy to the mask fabric. It apparently has to do with the air pushing thru the nose all night. I found someone who said to try medical grade Lanolin w/ a Q-tip in the nostrils at night before applying the mask and sure enough, that works. I had no idea so many people had this same problem.

Feb 08, 2012Rating

I'm glad you resolved the problemby: Remy

Thank you for the tip. I will include this new solution to my next newsletter, so that other CPAP users with sneezing and running nose problem can benefit from it.

Sep 29, 2014Rating

Sneezin & Runny Noseby: Anonymous

I as well have been having the same issues.....runny nose, sneezing all day. I'm glad to see that a solution has been found. I will definitely be trying it.

Nov 15, 2014Rating

Lanolinby: Anonymous

What is medical grade lanolin? Does that mean a script? Or can you get it over the counter? If you can get it over the counter I would like to know what it actually says on the product. I just used my cpap for the first time last night and I'm sneezing and running.

Jan 22, 2015Rating

Truck Driverby: Anonymous

I have used it for years because I would get fired if I don't. It doesn't help me at all. Only makes me worse and some doctor rich.

Jul 23, 2015Rating

Coughing and sneezingby: Anonymous

I have been using the Cpap machine for roughly 2 months.The congestion, sneezing and runny nose began roughly at the same time that I started the Cpap machine. I have severe apnea with 47 episodes per hour, so don't really have an option to stop the treatment.I have a new machine, heated humidifier and heated hose with nasal pillow mask. I thought it was a cold, then allergies (which I have never been bothered with) which was causing the problems. After reading through many posts I am now more inclined to say that somehow the symptoms are Cpap machine triggered.I will try the medical lanolin as a last resort.I would appreciate any other possible remedies out there, and more so some recommendations from machine manufactures.Larry

Jul 25, 2015Rating

nose burnsby: Marilyn

I am having the same problem is driving me nuts.Making inside of my nose burn also.I will try the lanolin.

Aug 08, 2015Rating

Lanolinby: Mariyn

I bought the lanolin and so far it's not helping.

Aug 10, 2015Rating

Mask cleaningby: Larry

After suffering with the sneezing and runny nose for way too long, I began to super clean my nose pillow mask every night before using it, with Greenworks all natural dishwashing detergent. Most of my symptoms have gone away.

I still have daily nasal congestion, but at least I can function quite normally throughout the day.

Aug 12, 2015Rating

Runny nose and incessant eneezingby: Jim

My problems come and go. When it is bad I feel that I am going crazy. I can't sleep with out the cpap machine yet I am miserable all day. My nose runs like a faucet.

I use a heated humidifier, wash everything each day and get no relief. If I go several days without the machine my nose drys out then I use the cpap and I am back to all the symptoms. Help!

Aug 26, 2015Rating

Running Nose and Sneezingby: Gregory

I have been using CPAP for 5 nights and wash everything every day.

I start out each night okay but if i get up during the night for a minute my nose starts running almost instantly, so much that I cannot continue using CPAP for the rest of the night. Then my nose runs all day and I sneeze constantly.

It slows down by bedtime and I can get to sleep with CPAP, but when I wake up during the night it starts all over again.

I'm now awake at 4am looking for solutions online.

Nov 25, 2015Rating

Sneezingby: Anonymous

I have an APap machine and use humidifier. I just replaced all tubing and I have a filter I set the humidifier at 2 but when I use it, I sneeze all day and nose runs constantly

Jan 14, 2016Rating

Humidity Level and Sneezingby: Sylvia

Hi Everyone,

I too have been sneezing and running noses with my CPAP machine and humidifier. I found it was a lot worse when I had the humidity at 2.5.I reduced it to 2, and now I only sneeze and have a runny nose like a light starter cold. I wake up with my nostrils a little dry but at least it's not as bad as when I had it set at 2.5.

I will try the Lanolin and update you on whether or not it worked for me.

Also, do people using the face mask have sneezing and running noses issues?

Jan 17, 2016Rating

CPAP machine causes allergyby: Ilona from Queensland

hello! Just bought a new machine and it smells Very strong plastic odour coming from the machine. The tube and mask are fine.

Running the machine with the tube off and I can smell the plastic odour coming out of the machine outlet where the tube attaches .

I am thinking that this could be a larger problem . So many people are suffering sinus problems from Capp use. It may be this plastic toxic fumes problem that is causing it all. I am a bit more sensitive than the average user but these fumes MUST BE detrimental.

Covering up the smell with essential oils etc is not a good idea. The fumes are not healthy and should be addressed. The plastics used in this machine should be reevaluated .

Jan 27, 2016Rating

CPAP running nose fixby: LW S

Buy a NeilMed neti pot.It comes with 50 packest of dry saline solution do a cup of lukewarm water and 1 packet in each nostril and the sneezing and runny nose instantly goes away. Don't ask me why but it does at least forme

Jan 29, 2016Rating

Runny nose and sneezing all day with CPAPby: CDS

I have been using the CPAP machine for six months now.I have been suffering from the runny nose and sneezing, watery eyes all day long.

Sometimes in the mornings when I take off the mask, I have a nasal burning sensation. I also replaced the humidifier water tank and also use a free standing humidifier in the bed room and cleaned the hose with soap.

Now I cant even sleep without the cpap. I replaced the water tank with a new one and used distilled water. Yet this morning as soon as I took off the mask, it is back to sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.

It is terrible. I have set up and appt with an allergist this week.

Feb 07, 2016Rating

Love and hate by: Anonymous

It happens to me like ones a week and today is the lucky day i been up since 4 a.m cannot breath and have watery nose ... feeling like crap but i cannot sleep with out my cpap is a love and hate situation. .. :(

Feb 08, 2016Rating

Allergy like symptomsby: Anonymous

I too have had similar issues. It seems worse from November-March (I live in Chicago), but as soon as I wake up my nose runs, I sneeze a lot and my eyes water (occasionally). As the day goes on it usually gets better. But I'd say I have this routine at least 4 times a week. I feel run down, like I have been battling a cold forever! It sux but I can't sleep without the mask (I use the swift fx nasal pillows).

This is the second Winter in a row now. I take allergy medication, but that doesn't seem to help much. I plan to call my ent soon to see what else I can do!

Feb 14, 2016Rating

help with runny noseby: Ddmcd

I talked to my dr. and he said common reaction and may go down over time. in the meantime, a friend recommended turning down the humidity and temperature- worked for him and surprisingly helped for me!

I thought it was better to keep the settings higher to avoid sinus problems but it's the opposite for some reason. also use regular old vasoline, which helps. I'm getting a new mask, not a nose pillow- to see if that makes a difference.

Feb 14, 2016Rating

Sneezing remedyby: CDS

I got tested for allergens and it came out negative for most. The allergist recommended Ponaris, a nasal emollient and I have been good since. Thanks Doctor :-)

Feb 20, 2016Rating

Can't believe I waited this longby: Anonymous

I can't believe I've waited this long to inquire about the CPAP machine being the cause of my rapid fire sneezing and runny nose.

I've had a love hate relationship with my CPAP for over a year now. Some nights I would do pretty well, other nights it was a reselling match where I felt like I was suffocating, couldn't exhale, and I would rip it off my face in frustration.

I considered it a good night if I kept it on for 4 or 5 hours. I definitely felt more rested during the day when I used it, so I continued to try. When I developed the sneezing and runny nose symptoms I was convinced we had a mold problem in the house.

Then a friend of mine asked if I changed the filter on my machine. I thought, "Aha, that's it!" I always thoroughly washed my hose and nose piece every morning but forgot about the filter, But alas that wasn't the answer. When it was time to replace my equipment I did.

I liked the new hose they sent me because it has vent holes making it easier to exhale, so I didn't feel like I was suffocating. Nevertheless I was still sneezing!

Now we come to last night when I googled my inquiry and found so many others with the same problem. I didn't use the CPAP last night so we'll see how it goes. No sneezing so far, although I know it takes a few days to go away completely.

I don't know what I'm going to do. I have a heart murmur because of a leaky valve and the sleep apnea doesn't help with that, not to mention the fatigue that will build. Could it be because I use the nose pillows instead of the full mask?

I will start by making an appointment with my doctor and go from there. Good luck to you all in this boat with me.

Feb 29, 2016Rating

Same boatby: Eric K

I have the same issue as well. Since November I have woken up (most days) to a runny nose, cough, watery eyes. I have been on cpap now for four years but have really only slept thru the night with my madk on for the last two years.

Prior to two years ago I never was a seasonal allergy sufferer. But since sleeping thru the night with my mask on the last two Winters, it has been terrible. I have talked to every dr that was associated with getting me on cpap and none have had anyone else with this issue. So, I was happy to find this forum and know I am not crazy/alone.

The last two weeks I have experimented by sleeping without the mask a few days. And not shockingly, no runny nose or sneezing or coughing when I wake up. I sleep fine without the mask, but It's a tradeoff because I know I will feel tired during the day at some point.

It's a catch-22. But at this point I'd rather feel tired during the day then feel like I am fighting a cold all day!!!!

Hopefully some sort of solution is discovered, cause this sux!!

Feb 29, 2016Rating

sneezing and runny noseby: jvsaints

I'm glad I am not the only person with this problem. Suggestions from the PA in my doctor's office was to use the Netti pot or try various decongestants. I do respond to Sudafed but prior to the CPAP use, I didn't need to use it. I bought the nasal emollient Ponaris and that has not made any difference for me.

I'm curious why more of us have not been helped by our providers. We will not continue the CPAP if we have symptoms like this. I stopped using my CPAP years ago because I didn't get support from the medical community concerning discomfort. They seemed to rely on the medical hardware community and there was no support there either. Do we just wing it by trial and error?

Mar 04, 2016Rating

Not aloneby: Sunny

This issue is a dilemma for cpap users who have no other options to treat our apnea! I've been on the machine for almost 2 years and have suffered through the allergic-like reaction every now and then ... It's awful!! We need alternative treatment options!

Mar 07, 2016Rating

6 year userby: HappyValley

I have been using a CPAP for over 6 years and this was the first winter I have had the severe sneezing and runny nose. I never really tied it to my CPAP but my wife found this link and I am glad to hear the comments here.

I usually don't use the humidity as we keep the house well humidified and I got a new hi-tech machine a year ago with the heated hoses, but still don't use the humidity. In fact, I have a travel machine which I used for 3 weeks this winter and didn't seem to have the symptoms with it.

I tried the neti pot nasal rinses for several and saw NO difference, but did get a severe cold after I used it (probably not related). I have even used Himalyan salts in the water container. That seemed to help at first but now makes no difference. I will try the lanolin and start the humidity again and clean ny hoses and masks more frequently..

Mar 07, 2016Rating

Back to nsal dripping againby: CDS

I was using Ponaris and was well for a few days. Now I am back to nasal dripping and sneezing dilemma again. Will have to contact the sleep doc, Has anyone tried Zyppa?

Mar 26, 2016Rating

Sooooby: Eric K

I took the last 2.5 weeks off from using my cpap and slept VERY well during that time. More importantly, I felt 100% during the day...no sneezing, running nose, coughing...snd I never felt tired during the day or at night.

Last night I tried using the mask again....new filter, new mask, new hose......was able to sleep for about 4 hours before waking. Slept the rest of the night without it....awoke to a sneezing attack a little congestion in the nose. That was it though, the rest of the morning I have felt fine.

Bottom line, I am now 100% convinced the machine and/or mask causes sinus issues that over time make me feel sick all day long. I want to go get another sleep study to see if maybe my apnea has gotten better over time.....maybe I have taught myself to breath better? Mmy insurance won't allow for it until 5 years have passed from my previous study....which was 4 years ago.

In the mean-time I will keep trying on and off. I believe I have developed seasonal allergies as I turned 40. They were never terrible though, but because the cpap opens up my sinuses it makes the allergies that much worse.....just a guess.

This really sux!!!

Mar 30, 2016Rating

Sinus trouble by: Mary

Sorry but the lanolin makes it worse. From irritated sinus every 2 or 3 days now it's every single day. Plus lanolin is hard to find.

Apr 24, 2016Rating

Ivory Soapby: Eric K

Wondering if this could be the cause of my cold like symptoms. I tried a loaner machine for two weeks to rule in/out that the machine is the culprit. I still woke up with the same issues so I have now ruled out the machine.

The only other thing I could think of is the ivory soap I use to clean the mask! I replace all the equipment again and did not clean the new mask with ivory soap before using. And how only rinsed the mask with warm tap water after the first two nights of use. So far so good as I have had no symptoms!!!

Let's see if it continues.....

May 11, 2016Rating

almost 4 years on Bipapby: Jamie

I got diagnosed Jan of 2013 with symptoms of Sleep Apnea. At first I was on Oxygen as well as Bipap machine. We went through 4 masks- 2 full face and 2 nasals. I went away from Full Face because I was getting blisters on my nose. It was such a fight, I didn't wear it like i was suppose to at first, but the last 2 years I have been wearing it like I am suppose to--every night. I have Philips Respironics Bipap Avaps machine with Swift Fx Nasal pillow mask in XS. This winter/allergy season has been the worst. I have been fighting sneezing as soon as the mask comes off, my bags under my eyes seem to have gotten worse, some mornings my face looks swollen and like I got beaten up. I clean my hoses, masks, and filters once a week. I have just started trying wearing it loose to the point where it feels like the mask will fall off my head and out of my nose. I have changed the water holder everyday, cleaning it everyday. I have had decongestants, steroid shots, antibiotics, nothing is helping. I have an appointment with my sleep center dr on the 23rd.

May 11, 2016Rating

Did not workby: Eric K

Only lasted three nights until the flu like sumptoms came back. Have stopped using cpap cold turkey for three weeks now and feel fine. Going in for a sleep study in a few weeks to see where I am at without using it. My next step would be to try a dental appliance...

The only thing that makes sense now is that the pressure from the cpap irritates my sinuses and most nights which leads to the flu like symtoms. Because of that, I doubt I will ever use it again.

Jul 03, 2016Rating

Sneezing and congestionby: Wonderman

I seem to only have this problem with my traveling CPAP and it's only occasionally. I have never had a problem this problem with my CPAP that I leave at home.

I often wonder whether it has to do with the air in different areas .The first time experience that was in traveling to New Zealand. And then it's only been occasional throughout North America.

I sometimes suspect that it has something to do with the humidity, Florida is home but I've had problems traveling throughout the state as well. I do tend to keep the room a little cooler when I travel and that usually removes some of the humidity.

Certainly is frustrating sometimes it takes three or four days to shake it completely?.

Jul 03, 2016Rating

Mis-Diagnosisby: Eric K

So after four frustrating years of using CPAP I finally got my insurance company to allow for another sleep study.

The first one I had showed 27 ahi and now....4 years later 1 ahi!!! My doctor was stunned and dug into the results from 4 years ago vs this one. Turns out the people and computer reading the results were considering things (such as brainwave shocks) as events when they should not have.

I am a very light sleeper, so the tiniest sound will cause me to be alert....not always wake.....but maybe move which will trigger an "event". My doctor went through both studies and determined that while I may be prone to apnea....I do not suffer from it now. So the reason for my bad reaction to the CPAP was that I was getting too much air!!

the good news is that while using cpap it did teach me how to breath through my nose instead of my mouth. Because of this, I find that I do not snore any longer and am getting a much better sleep! So at least something good came from it all.

Jul 26, 2016Rating

Me tooby: JungleJane

So happy to found a reason for my swollen sinuses and runny nose within a couple of minutes of taking my mask off. If I need to take the mask off during the night I try to be quick and get it back on before my nose runs.

Then it can take till mid afternoon before it's clear and by bed I'm right to put mask on again. I've ended up with too many sinus infections from inflamed and badly drained sinuses after using neti pot. Even having sinus surgery.

Can't wait to find a Cpap solution, a relief to think it's not our beautiful new house with hidden mould.

Jul 29, 2016Rating

Me tooby: Anonymous

Add me to the list of nose running in the morning. I go through tissues like crazy. Has anyone tried the dental devise that I just heard about from the dentist? I have been on c-pap for about 10 years and am tired of the headache in the morning and running nose and watery eyes.

Aug 13, 2016Rating

Sneezing just started after 15 years using CPAPby: Merl

I have been using a CPAP machine for about 15 years I have always used a nasal mask and have never had a problem.

About 18 months ago I decided to try a nasal pillow mask with 2 prongs going into my nose, after 1 night I sneezed and my nose ran for about 3 weeks.

Didn't use it again. decided about 4 months ago to try the dreamwear nasal pillow, it was wonderful as was so light etc.

things went fine until 3 weeks ago when I started sneezing and my nose running and in absolute misery, didn't think it was the mask as was fine for some time.

I am now back to my old nasal mask, still miserable but hoping it will stop soon, have ordered an Aclaim 2 nasal mask to see how I go.

It was so great to find this forum and to know that it is actually the mask causing this. I hope we can find a solution so we can all live normal lives again.

Aug 23, 2016Rating

Sneezing runny nose, miserableby: Lori

So glad I ran across this page, I too am waking up with sneezing , runny nose, and just plain miserable.

Took me a while to put two and two together , but wanted to make sure it just wasn't me. I sure hope they find what causes this because I have only been using my CPAP for two months and really need to be using it.

I stopped because I was tired of being miserable all day. Thanks for all the feedback , l feel like I'm sain again, lol

Sep 03, 2016Rating

Nasal pillow sympyomsby: CDH

I have never had allergies before ever until I started using a cpap machine. I have noticed a trend in reading through people's comments. We all use the nasal pillows! I am going to try switching to a wisp mask and see if that solves it. I will repost after a trial. Peace out :)

Sep 03, 2016Rating

Definitely is caused by Nasal pillowsby: Merl

After using a Nasal mask for over 20 years with no problem, within 3 months of using a nasal pillow started sneezing and miserable all day have changed back to nasal mask, still suffering but hope this will pass is getting less severe.

Dr looked in my nose and said she could see all the veins was red raw, told me to use PawPaw ointment to allow it to heal, this has worked in allowing my nose to heal.

As most sufferers seem to use nasal pillows, I would suggest you give a nasal mask a try, may take some time but worth a try.

Good luck everyone, I sympathize with all of you!

Sep 09, 2016Rating

Cpap sneeziesby: April

My husband and I both use cpap machines. He has used one for 15 years and I'm on my first year. I have the same issue as all of you, constant sneezing and runny eyes and nose. My hubby says it dries him out. He has zero issues. We have the same machine and neither use heat or water. Has anyone found something that works? I'm going mad!

Sep 16, 2016Rating

Me too and why didn't the tech tell me everyone has the problemby: Curious and afflicted

I had no allergies,and thoroughly enjoyed my cpap machine until about 8 months. Mild then severe allergic reactions progressed until I realized that the only component not cleaned was the internals of the machine.

I cleaned the machine by using about a teaspoon of alcohol on the sponge filter, ran it for 2-3 hours.

My allergic reactions subsided immediately and now I repeat this procedure about every 2-3 weeks.

I live in the east side on the big island of Hawaii and everyone here deals with moss and mold due to our humidity and wet climate.Insurance, doctors and even medical suppliers of cpap machines don't have a clue.

Question I have are many...do these companies recycle machines and pass them on to unsuspecting patients?

There is a very stringent cleaning and replacement regimen regards to hoses, nasal pillows, etc...but what about the machines? Of course the internals of the machine gets moldy and bacteria at some point within the 5 year replacement period...why does that not need the same quality of care?

Sep 26, 2016Rating

Still Running....by: Runny

I have the same issue as the rest. It takes me 3-4 days of antihistamines for the sneezing and runny nose to stop. I have stayed off my machine of a few months but am back to being exhausted during the day and having to nap at work.

No one on this forum seems to come up with a real source of the problem nor a real solution. My family doctor tells me I am not allergic to the machine or mask and that its just caused by a reaction to the air blowing on my sinuses. He suggested flonase, a nasal steroid consistently. But the symptoms continued. I am at a loss still.

Did anyone else try running the machine with alcohol in the filter? Did that continue to work for the person who suggested it? Don't feel so all alone but the problem is not solved.

Oct 12, 2016Rating

FRUSTRATEDby: Anonymous

I have had the runny nose, congestion and sneezing since I started to use the CPAP. Also, there are nights when my nose/sinuses burn while using the machine. My family physician gave me a shot for allergies....well guess what it did not work!

I wash my hose, nose pillow and filters weekly. Recently I started checking the filters and they are BLACK within a few days of washing them.

Furthermore, I am just as tired now as I was before being put on the CPAP machine.

Nov 10, 2016Rating

Thank Heavensby: Cathyc7

I thought it was seasonal allergies. I tested with no allergies. I have used. a CPAP for 18 months and like it. However the runny nose and sneezing started a few months ago. It is driving me crazy. At least I know why now. I clean my nasal pillows, tubing and water container weekly with Respikit stuff. I think it works OK. I had humidity at 4. Based on what I have read I will try reducing it. I use Neilmec nasal rinse nightly.

Bless you all for writing in. This is the most helpful discussion I have read. Best wishes to you all.

Nov 14, 2016Rating

It was the nasal pillowsby: Anonymous

I had severe symptoms when I first began using a cpapNose dripped like a faucetI sneezed almost continually to the point of incontinence and a severe head ache.

My provider had me switch from nasal pillows to an over the nose mask.

Problems resolved almost immediately.

Nov 30, 2016Rating

Sneezing and Runny nose everyday.NEWby: Anonymous

I have had the machine for two months and the symptoms sneezing and constant runny nose since I started. The machine broke down for two days and the sneezing stopped and runny nose stopped. I don't want to stop using my machine but a daily sinus attack is horrible. I want to purchase the soclean to help cleaning, but it sounds like a waste if so many are having the same issues and cleaning the equipment as recommended. Is the trade off for a good nights rest worth being sick everyday? Good luck to all and I will follow to find a solution. I will try some of those listed in this forum. Thanks all.

Dec 03, 2016Rating

Same problemNEWby: Diane

Starting using my cpap about 6 years ago. I've always used masks that just went over my nose, never nose pillows. I have all the symptoms that everyone else on here are having but they use to only happen several times a year. I had assumed I was having a short lived cold at those times. But as the years went on, these episode got more frequent and I finally figured it out, it was from my cpap machine. This past year has been the worst. I'm getting these allergy like symptoms once a week. I thought it was my house but it happens when I'm staying elsewhere too. So I found this site. I can't sleep without my mask because I snore and wake myself. So I really need it. I can't believe there's no answers to this problem from the sleep experts.
Very frustrating.